IN FOCUS


Helping Scotland towards net zero public buildings standard


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ife Council’s new Dunfermline Learning Campus is setting the path for the nation’s Net Zero Public Building Standard, using


Passivhaus Classic as a baseline. Gilberts Blackpool has played a pivotal background role in turning the objective into a reality. Core objectives in the building services design


has been low carbon consumption, internal comfort and good indoor air quality supplied by mechanical ventilation with heat recovery contributing towards energy consumption of <58kWh/m2/annum. To ensure the correct air quality and levels of


air movement- in line with BB101- whilst taking into account idiosyncrasies of the building design, Gilberts’ grilles and diffusers have been used throughout the Campus’ two new schools- Woodmill and St Columba’s. Across the learning spaces and breakout zones, Gilberts’ fixed (GD) and adjustable (GSJA) high


capacity omni-directional swirl diffusers plus linear bar grilles (LG) maintain the compliant indoor air quality. Their designs mean fresh incoming air is rapidly mixed without excess noise nor draughts and used air extracted in line with each zone’s specific air change and heat loading requirements. The swirls have all been strategically installed into the suspended ceilings of the learning spaces whilst


the linear bar grilles are sited in bulkheads to provide air distribution into and out of the space. The gymnasiums are covered by drum louvres. The drum louvres were chosen for their ease of


installation into the non-standard ceiling tiles used and their ability to deliver the high capacity and long throw necessary for such large spaces. The Campus has been designed by AHR Architects. Project architect Jamie Gregory observed: “Following the Scottish Funding Trust’s Energy in Use requirements, the building was designed to


a stringent set of criteria to ensure maximum comfort with minimum overall energy consumption. Designing to the Passivhaus standard guaranteed we met the Energy in Use criteria. We were confident that the choice of Gilberts’ air movement units would deliver in terms of achieving and maintaining the indoor comfort levels demanded.” The Dunfermline Learning Campus represents a continuation of Gilberts’ reputation as the leader for air


movement, building on a track record that includes Edinburgh’s Learning Estate investment Programme. Founded 60 years ago, and still family-owned, Gilberts is the UK’s leading independent air movement engineer. It offers a comprehensive range of factory- and site-assembled louvres for screening, weather and noise protection: its acoustic louvres are BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) validated. Gilberts is unique in its ability to design, manufacture and test all products- including bespoke


fabrications- in-house, to the extent it even designs and manufactures its own tools at its 140,000 sq ft head office and production facility.


gilbertsblackpool.com www.espireuk.com


Hoval inaugurates state-of-the-art ePlant in Istebné: €60 million investment in Europe’s heat pump future


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stebné (Slovakia), 26 August 2025 – With the inauguration of the new ePlant in Istebné, which was planned and built


over the past two years, Hoval is sending a strong signal for Europe’s energy future. The investment of around €60 million strengthens the company’s heat pump expertise, will create up to 600 jobs by 2030, and underlines its ambition to assume a technological leadership role in the European market.


A clear commitment to the energy transition The ePlant is the largest production site of the Hoval Group. It is designed for an annual output of up to 32´000 heat pumps. This provides Hoval with the flexibility to adapt production capacities to mar-ket developments and actively contribute to the energy transition.


Sustainability as a standard The new production hall has been built in line with Green Factory principles: a photovoltaic system (400 kWp), energy recovery with Hoval plate heat exchangers, green roofs and walls, rainwater har-vesting, and a state- of-the-art smart building system. With this initiative, Hoval is setting new stand-ards in


sustainable industrial architecture, showcasing how ecological responsibility and economic success can be seamlessly combined."


European dimension The participation of high-ranking representatives from politics and business at the inauguration un-derlines the importance of the project beyond the region itself. Among the guests were Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, his Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár, as well as Liechtenstein’s Minister of Economy Hubert Büchel. Their presence highlights the international dimension of the project and demonstrates how companies, regions, and states can jointly provide answers to the central challenges of the energy transition.


Voices at the inauguration:


Richard Senti, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Hoval Group: “With the ePlant in Istebné, we are making a clear commitment to the energy transition and to the responsibility that Hoval bears as an internationally active company. This investment strengthens our position in Europe, creates reliability for our employees, and opens up new perspectives for our customers.”


Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia: “The new plant in Istebné is an important project for our region. It brings innovative technologies to Slovakia and makes a valuable contribution to economic development.”


Denisa Saková, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Slovakia: “I am very pleased that Hoval has decided to invest in this site on such a scale. This project strengthens the region, creates prospects for our people, and supports Slovakia’s strategy to further develop industry and renewable energy


Hubert Buechel, Minister of Economy of Liechtenstein: “With the ePlant in Istebné, Hoval demonstrates how a Liechtenstein company can set international benchmarks – in technology, sustainability, and cooperation. This project is a strong signal for the innovative strength of our country and for the partnership between Liechtenstein and Slovakia.”


Outlook With the ePlant, Hoval is strengthening its presence in Europe, creating high-quality jobs, and mak-ing a significant contribution to a sustainable energy future. The project shows that responsibility for energy and the environment begins with investments that combine technological innovation and re-gional value creation.


hoval.com 42 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER OCTOBER 2025 Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk A


Espire Dual Sensor Smoke and Heat Alarms from ESP


dvanced fire safety is guaranteed with the Espire innovative dual Smoke and Heat Alarm models from ESP – combining the benefits of both optical and heat detection in one compact unit for maximum safety coverage.


Designed to respond to a wide range of fire types – from fast-flaming to slow-smouldering – the


Espire Smoke and Heat Alarms use intelligent monitoring software to analyse input from both sensors and trigger alerts only, when necessary, significantly reducing false alarms. The addition of ESP exclusive innovations such as auto-dimming LED indicators, dust compensation, and RF-Link capability further elevate performance and installation flexibility.


Installers can choose from two power options to suit varying project requirements: • •


Powered by mains with a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery. Powered by a sealed tamper-proof 10-year lithium battery.


The Espire Dual Smoke and Heat Alarms are to be installed in accordance with BS 5839-6. The alarms


are certified to BS EN 14604 and BS 5446-2, combining the full compliance of separate detectors in one dual-sensor product. As with all Espire alarms, this model features a lock-in base, hush button, and eco-friendly packaging, aligning with ESP’s mission to provide reliable, sustainable safety solutions for residential and domestic environments. More information can be found on the Espire website – www.espireuk.com – and the Scolmore Group app.


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